Local

‘Death by Distribution’ changes enacted

Raleigh – The General Assembly passed – and Gov. Roy Cooper recently signed into law – Senate Bill 189, “Fentanyl Drug Offense and Related Changes.” The bill revises North Carolina’s Death by Distribution law, as well as fentanyl crimes.

Department heads call for pay raises

Robbinsville – The Graham County Board of Commissioners heard concerns about pay rates within three departments of the local body during a special-called Friday meeting.

Corridor K worker injured in dozer accident

Sweetwater – Details were still sketchy at press time Wednesday, but what was clear was tragedy was narrowly avoided in a Monday-afternoon incident. N.C. Department of Transportation Communications Officer David Uchiyama told The Graham Star on Tuesday that the Sevierville, Tenn.
This drawing shows the new route for the upcoming Robbinsville High School Homecoming Parade on Oct. 13, which will see the route begin and end at the new entrance to the school (Wayne  Carringer Blvd., off Rodney Orr Bypass).

This drawing shows the new route for the upcoming Robbinsville High School Homecoming Parade on Oct. 13, which will see the route begin and end at the new entrance to the school (Wayne Carringer Blvd., off Rodney Orr Bypass).

Homecoming Parade set for Oct. 13

Robbinsville – All community members, organizations, businesses, clubs, sports and churches are being called upon by Robbinsville High School, encouraging support and participation in this year’s homecoming parade. The annual extravaganza will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13.
Town of Lake Santeetlah Council Member Ralph Mitchell could not contain his excitement while on Zoom for the Sept. 14 meeting after being presented with a certificate recognizing Mitchell, 94, as the oldest public servant in North Carolina.

Town of Lake Santeetlah Council Member Ralph Mitchell could not contain his excitement while on Zoom for the Sept. 14 meeting after being presented with a certificate recognizing Mitchell, 94, as the oldest public servant in North Carolina.

Mitchell recognized for service

Lake Santeetlah – Still sharp as a tack, Ralph Mitchell had one inquisitive comment when asked to speak on his special recognition at the Sept. 14 Lake Santeetlah Town Council meeting. “That I’m old?” Mitchell asked dryly, before laughing.

Driver airlifted after crash

Fontana Dam – At 9:22 p.m. Monday, state troopers Ty Gibbs and Johnathan Jones responded to a crash in the 1500 block of Fontana Dam, on Hwy. 28. The crash involved a 73-year old female, driving a Ford Fiat, who collided into a guardrail, slid across the embankment and overturned.
Dadiwonisi Language Program graduates stand in recognition at the end of Tuesday’s ceremony. From left are Jazlyn “Wadulisi” McEntire, Cailon “Uwodsdi” Garland, Kirstie “Tsayga” Frady and Gina “Amage” Myers. Photo by Ruby Annas/news@grahamstar.com

Dadiwonisi Language Program graduates stand in recognition at the end of Tuesday’s ceremony. From left are Jazlyn “Wadulisi” McEntire, Cailon “Uwodsdi” Garland, Kirstie “Tsayga” Frady and Gina “Amage” Myers. Photo by Ruby Annas/news@grahamstar.com

Dadiwonisi

Snowbird – The first graduating class of the Dadiwonisi Adult Language Program embodied the meaning of the program’s name – “We are all going to speak” – as they spoke in Cherokee, thanking their community and accepted their certificates in a moving ceremony Tuesday.

Budget ushers in new county investments

Raleigh – On Friday, the North Carolina General Assembly passed the biennium state budget. The budget provides raises for state employees and teachers, substantial infrastructure funding and more.
Thanks to a grant, the Graham County Sanitation Department has received two new Kenworth’s to haul garbage to the current dump site in Ball Ground, Ga. Photo by Ruby Annas/news@grahamstar.com

Thanks to a grant, the Graham County Sanitation Department has received two new Kenworth’s to haul garbage to the current dump site in Ball Ground, Ga. Photo by Ruby Annas/news@grahamstar.com

Cleanin’ in style

Milltown – The Graham County Sanitation Department received a pair of new Kenworth trucks, in a much-needed upgrade to the current method of hauling refuse to Ball Ground, Ga.
Sue and Bill Clark became one Sept. 1, 1961. Just over 62 years later, the couple has carved out a life based around carnivals – and still relish every moment together. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Sue and Bill Clark became one Sept. 1, 1961. Just over 62 years later, the couple has carved out a life based around carnivals – and still relish every moment together. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Step right up, for the Ride of a Lifetime

Tallulah – When 12-year-old Sue Sherrill met a friend of her older brother, 14-year-old Billy Clark, the two had no idea where fate would take them. On Sept. 1, 2023, Sue and Billy celebrated 62 years of marriage at their home in Graham County.